Abu Dhabi Week learns more about gaming in the capital
The multi-billion dollar gaming industry has seen the release of two major consoles on tow the market – Xbox One from Microsoft and the Playstation 4 from Sony. The games on such consoles, as well as tablets and other portable devices, are made by some of the most talented and dedicated designers the industry has ever seen.
Nestled away in the building of Twofour54 are such designers bringing the gaming world new and original entertainment. Abu Dhabi Week sat down with the team at Ubisoft to discover how Abu Dhabi is making a mark on the digital map.
Starting from scratch
Arriving in 2011, managing director Yannick Theler came to the capital with the vision and mission to set up Ubisoft’s first Middle East design studio.
After getting a team of multi-national designers in place, Theler then focused on his next challenge.
“We had to propose a new game for the market,” explained Theler. “From May to July of 2012 we created the concept for CSI: Hidden Crimes.”
Game on
CSI: Hidden Crimes is just like the TV series, Crime Scene Investigation. It is episodic and, like the show, is all about finding vital clues to solve a murder.
“The game we have created has been designed for portable devices such as mobile phones and tablets. It can be played on both iOS and Android devices and can also be downloaded from Amazon.
“You start as a newbie on the CSI team and follow them around to try and find evidence to solve the case. We worked very closely with the writers of the show to ensure accuracy and to make the gamer feel a part of the investigation.”
The game is free to download and play. The game offers purchase options during each level, where, for example, life energy can be bought to allow you to continue.
“Your character needs certain energy levels to complete tasks. If you aren’t at a certain per cent, you can’t attempt the level and either have to wait for a number of hours for your energy to recharge, or you can buy the energy needed. The game doesn’t push you to buy, it simply gives you the option,” added Theler.
The future
The first product from Ubisoft Abu Dhabi is already proving a great success. And they’re not stopping there. The future is looking bright for the studio as plans to grow the team and a new game are already in the pipeline.
“We are aiming to have a team of around 100 designers to create games on all platforms – Xbox, Playstation, PC and portable devices,” explained Theler. “We have already hired right from this very building, Twofour54’s Tadreeb Gaming Academy.”
The academy offers a 16-month full-time course, which works closely with Ubisoft and the team. Recently the course had four student graduates intern with Theler, from which three were hired.
“Home grown talent is here and the course is nurturing these designers. It means the future is positive, as we won’t always have to hire from abroad. We also have a keen interest in developing and hiring Arabic employees,” said Theler.
“Eventually we hope to produce Arabic games developed from a local mentality. We tested Assassin’s Creed with Arabic subtitles and the response was great. The public want more,” added Theler.
Behind the scenes
We spoke to Ubisoft Middle East producer of CSI: Hidden Crimes, Houssam Maydar to find out more.
What is your earliest memory of computer games?
I can remember playing on an Amstrad and seeing the green screen and the 2D games – it’s very different nowadays.
What was your best game as a child?
It was a game called Monkey Island. It’s an adventure game with good humour and you had to hunt for clues and piece them together -
a little like CSI.
Xbox or Playstation?
I have both! Working in the industry it is important to know what is available on the market.
Who is the CSI game for?
It’s for everyone really; it’s very accessible. Our core target is around 30-40 year olds, but we have seen from research that it appeals to everyone.
What’s the feedback so far?
We’ve had some good ratings and good reviews. People like the free aspect as well as the paid aspect. We are having to release new episodes very quickly as people are completing them and asking for more.
Jack Dignum
